Finalizing the Will

The final steps. Learn to generate, sign, witness, and secure the final legal document.

By Koha Digital and 1 other

• 9 articles

Reviewing the Will Summary

The will summary allows you to review all the key information of your proposed will before the final document is generated. How To Review the Will Summary: 1. Navigate to the "Will Summary" section 2. Review the generated summary with your information and contact details 3. Check the appointed executors information 4. Verify the list of assets entered into the system 5. Review information about witnesses, guardians, residual estate distribution, and charitable donations 6. Share the summary with your client for verification 7. Ensure all details are correct before final will generation https://d3o3wxyf7wz5e3.cloudfront.net/koha-training-ge/28_Will_Summary_for_Client_Review.mp4 FAQ - Will Summary What is the purpose of the will summary? The will summary allows you to review all the key information of your proposed will to ensure accuracy before the final will document is generated. What information is included in the will summary? The summary includes your personal details, appointed executors and witnesses, asset list, guardian information for minor children, residual estate distribution plan, and charitable pledges. What should I do after receiving the will summary? You should carefully review all the information to confirm its accuracy and inform your attorney of any discrepancies before the final will document is generated.

Last updated on Nov 28, 2025

Generating the Will Document

After reviewing and confirming the will summary, the final will document can be generated. How To Generate the Will Document: 1. Ensure all information has been reviewed for accuracy 2. Generate the will document 3. Wait for the system to create the document (usually takes a few minutes) 4. Review the complete will document 5. Verify details like testator information, executor appointments, guardian appointments, gifts, and estate distribution 6. Check the general clauses and signing section 7. Confirm any additional instructions appear in the appendix 8. Download the document for client review 9. Make any necessary revisions https://d3o3wxyf7wz5e3.cloudfront.net/koha-training-ge/29_Generating_the_Will.mp4 FAQ - Generating the Will Document How long does it take to generate the will? The will document is typically generated in just a few minutes. What information is included in the generated will document? The will document includes all information you provided, such as testator details, executor and guardian appointments, asset distribution, specific gifts, residual estate plans, debts, and any additional instructions. Can I review the will before signing it? Yes, you should review the generated will document thoroughly before signing. What happens if I need to make changes to the will after generating it? You can update the information and regenerate the will. The new will replaces the previous version.

Last updated on Nov 28, 2025

The Signing Process, Validity & Witnesses

Overview A Will must be properly signed and witnessed to be legally valid. This section outlines the strict execution requirements, witness criteria, and post-signing procedures to ensure the document holds up in court. The Signing Ceremony: Step-by-Step 1. Preparation: Ensure the Will document has been generated, reviewed, and printed. The names of the Executors and Witnesses entered in the system will automatically appear in the generated document. 2. Presence: The Testator must sign the Will in the physical presence of two witnesses at the same time. (Note: It is incorrect practice for the Testator and Witnesses to sign at different times.) 3. Dating: Ensure the date of signing is written correctly on the document. 4. Binding: The Will must be properly bound after signing. Witness Requirements - Number of Witnesses: Two (2) witnesses are required. - Validity: If witnesses pass away or become unreachable in the future, the Will remains valid. Post-Signing Procedures Once the Will is signed, follow these steps: 1. Digital Record: Scan the signed Will and upload it to the client's profile status in the Koha system. 2. Physical Storage: Pass the original hardcopy to the client. The signed Will should be kept in a safe place. - If using Custody Services: Follow the specific instructions/checklist for transferring the original copy to the trustee partner. - If self-storage: Advise the client to use a waterproof & fireproof safe. Frequently Asked Questions (Validity & Formatting) - Does the Will need to be stamped? No, the Will does not need to be stamped by LHDN to be valid. - Is the hardcopy required to be in color? Both color and black & white prints are legally acceptable. - Can I write the Will in other languages? For a Grant of Probate in Malaysia, the Will must be in English or Bahasa Malaysia. Wills in other languages (e.g., Mandarin) require a verified translation by a qualified translator, adding cost and complexity to the process. - Can I do digital signing for the Will? No, digital signatures for wills are not legally valid in Malaysia. Under the Wills Act 1959 and Electronic Commerce Act 2006, you must provide a "wet-ink" signature on a physical document. This must be done in the physical presence of two witnesses who also sign the paper. Video Tutorial Watch the Signing Process Training Video Is there a specific legal requirement for how a Will must be bound? There is no specific legal requirement regarding the physical presentation or binding method of the Will. Traditional law firms may use: - Thicker paper - Single-sided printing - Staples - Ribbon binding - Wax seals - Sealed envelopes These are primarily presentation, security and traditional practices rather than legal requirements. Koha's recommended presentation is a protective cover and secure binding. Should the Will be printed in colour? There is no specific paper or colour requirement. The Will may be printed in colour or black and white. For scanning purposes, black ink signatures are recommended because they are easier to scan and read clearly.

Last updated on Sep 29, 2026

Generating the Estate Listing

An estate inventory provides a clear record of all assets included in the will. How To Generate the Estate Listing: 1. After generating the will, navigate to the "Generate estate inventory" option 2. Generate the estate inventory document 3. Review the list of all recorded assets 4. Check any remarks or notes added to specific assets 5. Keep the estate inventory document with the will for executor reference 6. Download and share the estate inventory as needed https://d3o3wxyf7wz5e3.cloudfront.net/koha-training-ge/30_Generating_the_Estate_Listing.mp4 FAQ - Generating the Estate Listing What is the purpose of the estate listing? The estate listing provides a clear inventory of all assets recorded in the will. This helps the executor in managing the estate. What information is included in the estate listing? The listing includes all assets entered into the system, along with any remarks or notes added to individual assets. Should I keep the estate listing with the will document? Yes, it is advised to keep the estate inventory document together with the will document for easier reference by the executor.

Last updated on Nov 28, 2025

Adding Witnesses

How To Add Witnesses To add witnesses for your client's will in the Legacy Planner system: 1. Navigate to the "Witnesses" section 2. Enter the details of the chosen witnesses (must not be beneficiaries) 3. Save the witness information Note: You cannot add witnesses via the address book; use the dedicated button for this purpose. https://d3o3wxyf7wz5e3.cloudfront.net/koha-training-ge/22_Witnesses.mp4 FAQ - Witnesses - Who can be a witness to a will? Witnesses should be individuals who are not beneficiaries of the will. They should be of legal age and sound mind. - Can a beneficiary act as a witness? No, beneficiaries cannot be witnesses to the will. This is to avoid any potential conflict of interest. - Where do I add witness information? You need to go to the dedicated "Witnesses" section within the will creation process. You cannot add witnesses through the address book.

Last updated on Nov 28, 2025

Appointing an Executor

How To Appoint an Executor To appoint an executor for your client's will in the Legacy Planner system: 1. Navigate to the "Appointing Executor" section under "execution and distribution" 2. Review the description of the executor's responsibilities 3. Explore corporate executor services through trustee partners (like Palladium Trustee) if desired 4. To appoint an individual, select that option and enter their details 5. Click "save" to record the appointment https://d3o3wxyf7wz5e3.cloudfront.net/koha-training-ge/21_Appointing_Executor.mp4 FAQ - Appointing an Executor - What is an executor? An executor is a person or entity appointed to carry out the instructions of the will after the testator's passing. - Can I appoint a trustee company as the executor? Yes, the system allows you to utilize corporate executor services offered by trustee partners like Palladium Trustee. You can find more information and pricing for their services through the provided links. - Can a beneficiary also be an executor? Yes, a beneficiary can also be an executor. A beneficiary cannot be a witness to the will. - Q: During the execution of the will, what charges and fees are involved? A: During the execution stage, the charges and expenses may vary depending on the type of executor appointed: - Individual Executor: Possible expenses include fees for applying for the Grant of Probate (GP) and property transfer fees. - Corporate Executor: Fees typically include estate administration fees, along with property transfer fees.

Last updated on Dec 16, 2025

Updating & Revising a Will

Revision Policy - First 6 Months: You can update the Will anytime within 6 months of the initial registration at no extra charge. - After 6 Months: To revise the Will, you must purchase a new Will generation through the portal. Standard generation fees apply. - When to Update: Advise clients to review their Will every 2–3 years or after major life events (Marriage, Divorce, Birth, or buying property).

Last updated on Nov 28, 2025

Printing & Binding Standards

Paper Quality & Weight - Requirement: The law does not specify a required paper weight (e.g., 80gsm is not mandatory but recommended). - Best Practice: It is advisable to use clean, new A4 paper (standard 70gsm or 80gsm) to ensuring the document looks professional and lasts longer. Single vs. Double-Sided Printing - Recommendation: It is strictly advisable to print on single-sided pages only. - Reason: Prevents ink bleed-through and makes scanning/photocopying easier for the Executor during the Probate application process. Binding the Will - Do not use staples or clips if you plan to keep the pages loose for scanning later, but for the final version to be stored, ensure it is bound securely (e.g., stapled or bound with tape) so no pages are lost. [Note: Always ensure the Testator signs every page if the will is loose, but standard practice is binding before signing.]

Last updated on Dec 10, 2025

Uploading a Signed Will

How to Upload a Signed Will into Koha Follow these steps to upload the signed/finalized Will into the Koha system. Step 1: Open the Client’s Profile Go to the relevant client’s Will record. Step 2: Select the Will Under Last Generated Documents, click on the relevant Will that you want to upload the signed copy to and click “Edit”. Step 3: Click “Let’s Begin” Click “Let’s Begin” to enter the Will editing section. Step 4: Find “Upload Finalized Will” Scroll down the page until you find the “Upload Finalized Will” section. Step 5: Upload the Signed Will Upload the client’s signed/finalized Will in the designated section. ✅ Done! The signed Will has been uploaded into the Koha system. What should I do after the client signs the Will? Answer: After the Will has been signed: 1. Scan the signed Will. 2. Go to the client's profile. 3. Locate the latest generated document. 4. Click Edit. 5. Scroll down to Document Submission. 6. Select Upload Finalised Will. 7. Upload the scanned signed copy. The uploaded copy is kept for record purposes. The legally valid Will remains the physical original document. The physical original should either: - Be handed to the client; or - Be placed under lifetime custody with the relevant trustee/custody service, if the client has selected that service. Is the uploaded scanned Will the legally valid original? Answer: No. The scanned copy uploaded into Koha is primarily for record purposes. The physical original signed Will remains the important original document.

Last updated on Sep 29, 2026